NPR
Major League Baseball is witnessing a notable trend characterized by groups of predominantly young men participating in the "Tarps Off" phenomenon.
Across various stadiums nationwide, fans are engaging in this lively activity that has quickly captured the spirit of baseball games. The premise is straightforward: fans congregate in areas of heightened excitement, remove their shirts, and begin twirling them above their heads.
This trend typically follows with chants or songs, injecting an invigorating energy into a sport that sometimes faces criticism for its quieter ambiance during games.
Originating in St. Louis last Friday, the "Tarps Off" movement has since proliferated to multiple cities, including Detroit, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Anaheim, California.
Chad Bitzer, a Seattle Mariners attendee for approximately 13 years, embraced the trend, stating, "Because everyone else was taking it off. Why not?"
"It's fresh. It's a beautiful night. Take it off," Bitzer added. "Great Northwest night. We live for the summers. We live for the good weather."
The initial surge of this shirtless excitement unfolded in St. Louis, where a club baseball team from Stephen F. Austin State University was participating in the National Club Baseball Division II World Series in Alton, Illinois. The Cardinals extended an invitation to the team, resulting in 17 players attending the game.
This enthusiastic group sparked the festivities, leading to the participation of numerous others, ultimately creating a lively atmosphere in right field that contributed to the Cardinals’ 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals in 11 innings. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol was so impressed with the energy that he purchased tickets for the shirtless fans for the following day's game, allowing them to return.
"It's hard not to have fun when the fans are like that," remarked Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn. "We've got the best fans in the world, but it seems like the younger generation makes it more like a college atmosphere."
Notably, the Cardinals' mascot Fredbird also joined in on the festivities.
This trend may be evolving into a new tradition, as more shirtless fans cheered for the Cardinals in their game against the Pirates. It appears to be positively impacting the team's homefield advantage, as evidenced by Ivan Herrera's three-run homer, leading the Cardinals to a 9-6 victory after 10 innings.
A similar display of shirtless enthusiasm was observed at a Tampa Bay Rays game on both Monday and Tuesday. A smaller group fostered a festive environment in Philadelphia amidst a rain-soaked game between the Reds and Phillies. Meanwhile, Angels fans mingled between expressions of excitement and frustration, vocalizing their hopes for team ownership changes.
Major League Baseball is likely pleased with the additional attention garnered by these events. Season attendance at major league stadiums has risen, with averages illustrating roughly 1,000 more fans per game compared to the previous year, as of Monday's matches.
Should this trend persist, league officials may see average attendance approach 30,000 fans per game for the first time since 2016.
The emerging reality suggests that many of these attendees may just be shirtless.
Share this story